The type of sliding that you choose for home maintenance and renovation can make all the difference, especially in the feel, look, and durability. If you are not sure of which one to use to get a combination of these elements, you might consider trying James Hardie board siding. Hardie siding is a great option that combines aspects of longevity, strength, and the natural look of wood. This siding has been a favorite of homeowners because of its resilience and beauty. This article will explore everything that you need to know about james hardie wood look siding and give you a solid outlook on home renovation and maintenance
What is the James Hardie Wood Look Siding?
James Hardie Wood Siding is a durable material that is made from fiber cement, a composite material made by blending cement, cellulose fibers, and sand. The resulting material has a high resemblance with wood, but it is more durable and resistant to elements. Apart from its durability, one of the best part of this material is that it is available in a variety of colors and styles, which makes it easy to incorporate into your home.
When James Hardie siding is compared with other traditional wood sidings, you find that it is stronger and does not warp or rot. Therefore, it can last for decades since it withstands extreme weather conditions such as rain, hail, and strong winds. Also, it is good for home office.
James Hardie siding requires little maintenance unlike traditional wood. You will find that it does not need frequent painting because you just need to use water and soap to clean it.
The other great benefit of this siding over traditional wood is that it’s fire-resistant. This is an important safety feature for any home because you do not have to be worried in case of fire calamities. This siding is also resistant to pest infestation and is less likely to attract insects such as termites into your house.
James Hardie Wood Look
When comparing James Hardie siding with vinyl siding, you find that vinyl has limited textures, is more susceptible to damage, and can warp in extreme heat. While the cost of vinyl may be lower, the overall cost will be outweighed by the longevity and durability of James Hardie siding. Vinyl siding is also not recyclable since it is made from petroleum-based products which could pose an environmental threat. Overall, it is an excellent siding that provides aesthetic appeal for homeowners that want to mimic the natural look of wood.
Pre-Installation Process
For James Hardie’s siding to give you the expected value, ensure that it is properly installed. Before installing it, there are critical pre-installation steps that need to be taken care of.
The first step is to inspect the existing sliding and identify any issues that will need attention when installing. Check for issues such as water damage, insect infestation, and rot.
After inspection, the old slide will be removed to allow for the inspection of framing and sheathing. Some of the issues to note include improper framing which should be addressed during the process.
After this, the next step involves the installation of a weather-resistant barrier such as felt paper or house wrap to keep your home from moisture. The contractor can assist you in choosing the right material for your project.
Installation of James Hardie Wood Look Siding
Installation of James Hardie siding involves various steps as outlined below.
- Installing Starter Strip and Corner Trim: This is the first step that includes installing the first pieces of siding in order to create a level base for the siding. Starter strips are placed at the bottommost of the wall while corner trims are placed at the corners of the building.
- Fitting Panels: The next step involves measuring the siding panels and cutting them, then fitting them to the wall. They are usually placed horizontally in each row.
- Installing Trim and Flashing: These are pieces that are installed around the doors, windows, and other openings to prevent water from entering in. They are usually pre-cut and fitted in these areas.
- Caulking and Sealing of Joints and Gaps: If the siding panels are not well sealed, they can let water enter the wall. Caulking and sealing prevent this and seals the gaps between the siding panels. Usually, a water-resistant sealant is used in this process.
Finishing Touches
After the installation of James Hardie siding, do a few final touches to complete the whole process.
Hardie siding is available in a variety of colors, but if you need an upgrade, painting work can also be done to give it a finer look. When painting, a high-quality exterior paint is recommended to complement the fiber cement siding.
To ensure that the siding lasts longer, prevent water damage. Installing downspouts and gutters is an essential process that helps in directing water away from the house. Usually, they can be added later after the installation of the siding.
The other final touch includes cleaning up the worksite to remove any debris that is left over at the site. This can be done by sweeping around and disposing of any scrap waste appropriately.
Maintenance and Durability
Even if it’s durable, maintenance of the James Hardie siding is still a critical element that enables the appearance of the wood to remain new. Besides, maintaince of the house is very important. Here are some tips on how to achieve that and make it last even longer:
- Regular Cleaning
The first basic practice of maintaining Hardie siding is to keep it clean. Cleaning helps in eliminating grime, dirt, and other debris that accumulate on the surface of the siding over time.
A combination of a functional bristled brush and a mild detergent with water can do a thorough job. However, abrasive cleaners should be avoided because they can scratch the surface, which results in more damage.
- Inspection
Hardie siding requires inspection to check for signs of damage from time to time. When inspecting, check for signs of chips, cracks, and any other type of damage that could interfere with the functionality of the siding.
If there is any damage, it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further destruction. The best way to approach this part is by calling a professional to inspect the house for you or a repairman to do a few fixing.
Some More
- Trimming Trees and Shrubs
Trees and shrubs growing near the siding can cause damage. They can rub against the wall and can cause debris and leaves to accumulate too. To prevent this, trim them regularly so that they maintain a good distance from the siding, and clean up the cuttings once you’re done to prevent them from overcrowding and rotting in the place.
- Address Moisture Issues
Moisture is not good for the Hardie siding, and if allowed to accumulate, it can cause rotting and other damages. The best way to handle it is by fixing leaks in gutters and roofs as soon as they happen. When fixing the siding, ensure that you use a good water-resistant seal to prevent moisture from entering the house again.
- Professional Maintenance
The best approach to maintenance is hiring a professional who will from time to time inspect and address any issue of concern with the siding. If you have the budget, investing in one from time to time is ideal.
Design Options
Hardie’s siding can give you a wide range of design options to enhance your home and give it a modern stylish look.
- Colors and Styles
Hardie’s siding comes in a variety of styles and colors to give your home an aesthetic appeal. The color and technology enable a long-lasting finish that is resistant to cracking, chipping, and fading. Here are the most common colors.
- Sail Cloth
- Arctic White
- Timber Bark
- Heathered Moss
- Iron Gray
- Sandstone Beige
- Woodland Cream
- Cobble Stone
- Night Gray
In addition, the sliding comes in various styles that can add value to your home. They include:
- HardieTrim Boards
- HardiePlank Lap Siding
- HardiePanel Vertical Siding
- HardieSoffit Panels
- HardieShingle Siding
- Customization
Customization of the James Hardie siding is a good option that will give your home a personalized and unique look. The company can match various colors and give flexibility in customization.
You can also add various accessories such as shutters and decorative trims to enhance the visual appeal of your home using this siding.
- Visual Appeal
Hardie’s visual appearance is modern and attractive to the eye. It is smooth and flat to create a streamlined look.
The durability of the material used also helps in ensuring that the siding can resist a lot of environmental factors and maintain its fresh appeal.
Environmental Impact
While many people use the James Hardie siding for aesthetic appeal and durability, there is also an environmental impact of using this product.
- Sustainability
James Hardie siding is a mixture of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers, which makes it more durable to withstand weather conditions. In addition, it is also more resilient to fire, rot, and pests making it a good product that does not need frequent replacement.
The best part of this material is that it is made from natural, non-toxic materials. As such, it does not release toxic elements to the environment during its manufacture or when in use. So, it is a safe and friendly material that can be used in any home.
James Hardie siding is energy efficient because of the insulation properties exhibited by fiber cement. It reduces heat loss in homes, which lowers your carbon footprint and energy bills in return.
- Recycling
Recycling: Best for Environment
The other decent aspect of James Hardie’s siding is its ability to be recycled. This material is 100% recyclable. It can be repurposed again after being used in homes. For instance, it can be broken down and use for other DIY projects. Nonetheless, the process of recycling might be a complex one that will require high expertise and special machines.
However, if you’re interested, the first step in recycling this siding is to crush it into a fine powder and then mix it with other materials to create concrete or cement. This process is practical, but it isn’t cost-effective for homeowners. That’s why the company takes care of the recycling process to ensure that the material can be used again for other purposes.
You can also dispose of this siding by safely disposing of it in a landfill where it can break down slowly. The process takes time though, so it’s better to just let it be repurposed in the company.
The Downside of James Hardie Wood Look Siding
James Hardie has outstanding qualities and benefits for homeowners which makes it a perfect choice for many. However, it also has its potential downsides that you should consider before installing it.
- Maintenance Requirements
This siding requires constant maintenance if you want to enjoy its durability. It has to be painted after a few years to protect it from harsh elements and also maintain its appearance. If this is not done, the siding will deteriorate and might result in costly repair or replacement.
- Cost
The cost of James Hardie siding is high when compared to other types of siding. Nonetheless, the initial cost is high, but it’s a huge benefit for long-term savings because of the energy efficiency and durability elements.
- Installation Complexity
Installing this siding calls for expertise and specific tools. The installation process can be more time-consuming and complex than other siding options. This calls for an expert or experienced contractor to place the siding correctly.
- Potential Health Risks
The installation process of this siding requires experts to use silica. This substance could have potential health problems when inhaled during the installation process. However, its effects can be minimized by applying safety precautions of minimizing dust exposure or wearing a respirator.
The Key Takeaway
James hardie wood look siding is a high-quality siding option that is beneficial to homeowners. Its natural appearance, durability, and environmental sustainability are some of the aspects that make this siding stand out from other siding options such as vinyl and wood. If you have any plans of upgrading your home, this is a perfect option that is attractive and reliable. It is a long-lasting solution with only a few maintenance requirements, though it needs consistent checking. Definitely, it is a great investment that will transform your home and give it a gorgeous appearance.
